In a dramatic climax to the Edinburgh derby, Blair Spittal emerged as the hero for Hearts, netting an 86th‑minute winner that turned a 2-1 comeback into a decisive triumph over a depleted Hibernian side. The win not only solidified the Scottish Premiership leaders' position at the top of the table but also injected fresh momentum into a title race that has been anything but predictable this season. The match began with high tension, amplified by the news of Rangers’ unexpected defeat to Motherwell earlier in the day.
Hearts supporters sensed an opportunity to widen the gap at the summit, while Hibernian, still smarting from their own derby win at Easter Road in December, were determined to deny their city rivals any easy points. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric from the first whistle, with both sets of fans chanting and the players eager to make an early statement.
Hibernian struck first inside the opening ten minutes. Martin Boyle, a recognised specialist in derby encounters, capitalised on a well‑taken free‑kick from Jamie McGrath, slotting the ball home after a swift move that caught the Hearts defence off‑balance. The early lead gave the visitors confidence, and they appeared set to dominate the first half. However, the game took a sudden turn when Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was shown a red card just seven minutes later.
The referee, Don Robertson, consulted the VAR and determined that Sallinger had handled the ball outside the penalty area after attempting to claim a long pass. The decision reduced Hibernian to ten men and forced them to reshuffle their back line, while also giving Hearts a psychological boost. Hearts responded by pressing forward, but the match remained tightly contested.
Hibs defender Felix Passlack, who had been a steady presence throughout the first half, received his second yellow card midway through the second period for a high challenge on Hearts’ midfielder Beni Baningime. The referee again turned to the monitor and issued a second red card, leaving Hibernian with only nine players on the pitch. The double dismissal was a severe blow, especially as it came at a crucial stage when the teams were still deadlocked. Despite being a man down, Hibs showed remarkable resilience.
Claudio Braga missed two clear chances that could have levelled the score before the second sending‑off, demonstrating the frustration that often accompanies a numerical disadvantage. Yet the nine‑man side continued to defend valiantly, relying heavily on the composure of substitute goalkeeper Jordan Smith, who made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Hearts, now with a numerical advantage, began to assert themselves more aggressively. Marc Leonard’s effort rattled the post, and a series of waves of attack tested the depleted Hibs defence.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Lawrence Shankland, the Hearts captain, saw his near‑post flick deflected into his own net by defender Warren O'Hora. The own goal gave Hearts a 1-1 level and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. With the match entering its final stages, Hearts continued to dominate possession and create chances, but the nine‑man Hibs held firm, limiting clear‑cut opportunities.
It was not until the closing minutes that Blair Spittal, who had been introduced as a substitute earlier, made his decisive impact. After a well‑worked move down the right flank involving Sabah Kerjota, Spittal found space inside the box and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner, sealing a 2-1 victory for Hearts. The win propelled Hearts three points clear of second‑placed Celtic and extended their lead over Rangers, who sit third, to four points with just four games remaining in the season. The upcoming fixture against Rangers, scheduled for May 4 on Sky Sports, now carries even greater significance as Hearts aim to cement their dominance.
Post‑match, captain Lawrence Shankland expressed confidence in the team’s direction, stating, "We want to do it. We’re close enough. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point and it’s important we go and try to finish it off." Head coach Derek McInnes praised his side’s composure and discipline, highlighting Spittal’s clinical finish as a testament to the squad’s depth and resilience.
He added, "We stayed calm, stayed disciplined. When we need someone, our captain steps up.
Blair scores goals like that every day. It was a crucial side‑foot finish and could be a very important goal." Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd reflected on Hearts’ season, noting their sustained presence at the top of the table and the belief the players have in McInnes. He remarked, "The fans want a team that represents them, and Hearts have delivered that this season.
There have been questions about the manager, but the players would choose Derek McInnes any day." Hibernian manager David Gray, despite the defeat, commended his players for their effort under adversity. He acknowledged the impact of the two red cards, describing them as mistakes rather than malicious actions, and praised the goalkeeper’s performance after coming on as a substitute. In summary, the Edinburgh derby provided a microcosm of the drama that has characterised the Scottish Premiership this year: late goals, disciplinary incidents, and a title race that remains open but increasingly tilted in Hearts’ favour. With the season entering its final stretch, both Hearts and their rivals will be looking to maintain consistency, avoid costly errors, and seize any opportunity to claim the coveted league crown.